28th June Photo review; Croquet Club Grand Opening

Yes, there was a certain amount of pandemonium at the start of the Kurilpa Poets’ Grand Opening of their spiritual home, the newly renovated Croquet Club in sacred Musgrave Park.

The fridge and the urn had disappeared, as had the kitchen staff. There were clearly not enough chairs and the Mystery Musician

had mysteriously vanished.

But things soon settled down into their usual cheerful chaos;

Shane had the Virtual Gallery up and running with a Tribute to the Art of the Angry Penguins.

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The Blind Dog was found and led to the stage. Armed with only an ancient battered acoustic guitar, with a hole hacked out of the back, and an upended water jug for occasional percussion, Donnie took us back to the heart of the blues. Meanwhile the Reverend (cheerfully blue bearded for the occasion) gathered the scattered poets for the Open Mic and the kitchen volunteers (Linda and John) performed their usual miracles.

After the first Open Mic session & afternoon tea, Feature Poet Cam Logan delivered a powerful and impassioned set which completely won the audience over.

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Indeed, come the end of his set, an encore was unanimously and noisily demanded by the audience. I can’t actually recall anyone else getting an encore before so well done Cam!

It would take a brave poet to go on after that reception, but undeterred the Loaded Dog quietly took centre stage next, to deliver his own High-caliber performance. Greg (the Loaded Dog) Secombe‘s poems are both unashamedly “political” yet at the same time intensely personal. This, at times almost biblical intensity, can disturb people (this is after all, the Age of Not-Caring) but the Dog knows that one of a Poet’s duties is to speak out and call down the False Idols in Power.

The Loaded Dog bites!

There were more fine words and music after that,

as my afternoon slid into a good natured blur.

A Diversity of Voices passed thru the Open Mic; Newcomer Jim Lamb brought a taste of the bush to our inner-urban enclave. Michael Vaughan delivered a string of perfectly polished poem-ettes like pearls. Haviere read us poems in Spanish that sounded like water running over pebbles. Jefferson Evans effervesced.

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Theresa and John and guitarist friend Alex jammed with Donnie.

The Women “revolted” and took over the Open Mic.

Sue Fihelly, Fiona Privitera and new comer

Penny Hayes all read with presence and style.

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New Members signed up and Old Members renewed whilst John dutifully washed many dishes & cups in the kitchen thruout the afternoon. We made enough money to cover the rent and everyone agreed they had a great day.

I’ll let the pictures tell the rest of the story.

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There are more photos which I’ll hopefully put up later, here’s a few more in the meantime..